The Esau McCaulley Podcast Trump's Failure of Empathy & What Knives Out Gets Right About Christianity
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Dec 18, 2025 In a thought-provoking discussion with Justin Giboney, President of The AND Campaign, the conversation starts off critiquing Trump's empathy deficit following a tragic incident. They dive deep into the latest Knives Out film, exploring its surprising theological insights on Christianity, including themes of sin and grace. Giboney underscores the importance of pastoral integrity and the emotional weight of confession, leading to a compelling debate on leadership responsibility in times of crisis.
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Clergy Clash In New Knives Out
- Esau describes Wake Up, Dead Man as a Knives Out film centered on a young Catholic priest and a fire-and-brimstone pastor in a parish setting.
- He says the film offers a nuanced, secular portrayal of why someone becomes clergy and contrasts two ways of living out Christianity.
Confession Brings Healing Not Shame
- Esau highlights the film's contrast between Christianity as grace through confession and Christianity as shaming punishment.
- He argues the movie captures that confession can bring genuine healing rather than merely inflicting shame.
Confession's Role In Protestant Practice
- Esau explains Protestant confession as often being about emotional access to forgiveness rather than clerical power.
- He notes a priest's words carry the church's authority and can make forgiveness emotionally real for people.